After 61 Years of Marriage, the Good Times are Still Rolling

Being married 61 years is an accomplishment very few couples have the privilege of experiencing. Sam and Diane Gottlich know how lucky they are and view each day they have been together as a true blessing. Now retired and living at Mirador senior living community, they have the opportunity to reflect back on a life filled with joy, love and God.

Sam and Diane’s courtship began when they were both in their teens. They were both involved in youth programs at church and that was actually where they met.

“He was so handsome and I knew from the moment I met him there was something special about him,” Diane stated. “Meeting at such a young age you never know how situations will unfold. Little did I know, I would eventually marry the man of my dreams.”

“I courted her for four years before we got married,” laughed Sam. “I knew she was worth the wait and the day we got married was one of the happiest moments of my life.”

As newlyweds, Sam worked for his father at their family corporation. While he enjoyed his work, the feeling of unfulfillment would not leave him. After 10 years of soul searching, Sam realized his true calling was ordained ministry. With full support from his wife, three children and family dog, they all packed up and moved from Texas to Virginia so Sam could attend theological seminary.

Three years later after completing his preordained ministry studies, the couple moved back to Corpus Christi where Sam was ordained to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church. Priesthood gave the couple an opportunity to travel and touch many lives along the way. God eventually blessed the couple with three wonderful children, which has now multiplied to six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

So what advice for a long and happy marriage do these longtime lovebirds have to offer?

“Commitment to each other is what has kept us together,” said Diane. “After your children leave home, you are together again as a couple. If you haven’t continued to tend to that relationship then the issues you had been ignoring while the children were at home will be front and center once again.”

“It’s important for young people to know and love who they are as individuals first,”’ added Sam. “Since they are pledging that person to their future spouse, that person should be the strongest and truest representation of themselves.”

The couple looks forward to celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary with their new friends at Mirador. With the worry free lifestyle Mirador offers, every day is wedded bliss for Sam and Diane Gottlich.

Located in the heart of south Corpus Christi, Mirador is the area’s only full service life care senior living community. The community includes 125 customized independent living apartment homes, each with a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and 24-hour emergency response system. The Plaza consists of 44 private assisted living suites, 41 private rooms for dignified nursing care, and 18 private Alzheimer’s Certified residences for memory support. Designed to enrich the lives of seniors, Mirador features 25,000 square feet of commons areas on a lush 17-acre campus with a premier location close to local restaurants, shops and attractions. For further information on Mirador and The Plaza at Mirador, please call 361-288-7027 or visit www.miradorretirement.com.

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